Faculty Handbook Update - FAQ
Last Update: 4/6/2026
Info Session Recording & Slides
Want a full walkthrough of the handbook updates? Watch this brief walkthrough of the handbook updates before reviewing the FAQs below.
FAQ
Explore answers to common questions about the updated faculty handbook. Click the + to expand a topic and the – to collapse it. You can open multiple sections at once to compare information, making it easier to find exactly what you need.
Q: What is new about the handbook?
A: The handbook has been streamlined and consolidated to make it easier to navigate and use, with some updates to policies such as outreach expectations, Zoom meeting name formatting, and text messaging guidance. All resources are available on the Faculty Success Center website, and faculty should expect updates or changes as workflows and systems are refined.
Q: Is the handbook final?
A: No. The handbook remains fluid. Additional updates are likely after the Salesforce implementation. Faculty should expect future revisions as we refine workflows. All changes will be communicated via email and posted in the Faculty Success Center, so you will be notified whenever updates occur.
Q: When does this handbook take effect?
A: The updated handbook applies starting with the April 13 module start. Faculty should follow all new guidelines, including Zoom formatting, outreach weeks, and course setup requirements, beginning with that module.
Q: What if I am teaching in the 3/16 module? Should I change my Zoom meetings, remove my texting number, or update outreach practices to match the new Handbook?
A: No changes are required. Keep your Zoom meetings as they are, retain your texting number, and continue checking and responding to students with your usual weekly outreach practices.
Q: Will I be QC reviewed for the 4/13 module?
A: No, there will be no QC reviews for the 4/13 module. Reviews will resume with the 5/11 start. A new rubric and QC criteria list will be provided to faculty beforehand. Reviews will still occur for the 3/16 module. This pause gives instructors a chance to familiarize themselves with the updated handbook before reviews resume.
Q: What are the key changes in the handbook?
A: The key changes include updated Zoom meeting formatting, the removal of the Bryan-issued texting number starting with the 4/13 module while allowing optional supplemental texting, clarified outreach expectations with target weeks and personalized messaging, and guidance on responding to student statements and inquiries within established response timeframes.
Q: Can we still use Fidelis/BryanConnect?
A: Faculty may continue using Fidelis/BryanConnect while teaching in the 3/16 module, but beginning with the April 13 module start, access will no longer be available for adjunct faculty as we transition to Salesforce, and shifting fully to Canvas now helps prevent confusion or frustration for students when the system is officially retired.
Q: If we no longer have access to Fidelis/BryanConnect and cannot use private notes, who do we contact for student concerns?
A: Faculty should email their Program Director as soon as possible with any student concerns, including relevant details, so the student can get timely support and guidance. This includes issues like falling behind, missing assignments, academic integrity concerns, well-being or mental health challenges, medical or accommodation needs, disruptive behavior, grade questions, or anything else that might affect the student’s success. The PD will let the right people know and guide you on the next steps.
Q: Why are the Canvas Inbox and student outreach policies changing?
A: We are transitioning to Salesforce, which requires updates to communication policies. The goal is to ensure the student experience remains strong while keeping faculty workload manageable. Policies may be further updated as Salesforce rolls out and we learn more about best practices and system capabilities.
Q: What are the expectations for Canvas Inbox and student outreach?
A: Instructors are expected to engage in consistent, meaningful outreach through Canvas Inbox with all students.
This includes:
- Conducting structured check-ins during key weeks (Weeks 2, 4, and 6 for 8-week courses; Weeks 2 and 4 for 4-week courses).
- Personalizing messages based on student performance and engagement.
- Starting all message subject lines with the corresponding week number.
- Ensuring communications focus on student progress or engagement, not generic updates.
- Responding promptly to student messages and following up on requests from coaches, Academic Coaches (ACs), or Program Directors.
- Exercising professional judgment to initiate additional outreach when needed.
Q: Why is student outreach required for ALL students, not just those below 70%?
A: Outreach to all students ensures consistent engagement and support, not just for those who may be struggling academically. By communicating with everyone, instructors can reinforce expectations, provide guidance, and celebrate progress, which helps prevent issues before they arise. Focusing only on students below 70% could miss opportunities to encourage success and maintain connection with the broader student population.
Q: Can I do additional outreach outside of Weeks 2, 4, and 6?
A: Yes, instructors may use professional judgment to initiate additional outreach as needed, and must also respond promptly to student messages and follow up on any requests from coaches, ACs, or Program Directors, even if it occurs outside the designated outreach weeks.
Q: What is the purpose of the designated weeks (2, 4, 6) in Canvas?
A: The designated weeks in Canvas are intended to coordinate communication across departments, such as with Coaches, so students aren’t overwhelmed by messages from multiple sources at the same time. During these scheduled weeks, instructors can send outreach on any day that fits within the week’s schedule. This doesn’t mean you can’t contact students outside of these weeks. Additional communication is allowed. The scheduled weeks help ensure structured, balanced, and coordinated messaging for a better student experience.
Q: Why do all outreach messages need to include the week number in the subject line?
A: Including the week number helps both students and QC reviewers. For students, it signals when the message is relevant, so they can track their progress and respond promptly. For reviewers, it ensures all scheduled outreach weeks are accounted for and prevents messages from being missed. It also keeps communication consistent and organized across the course.
Q: What does “personalized outreach” mean? Do all my messages need to be different?
A: Personalized outreach means tailoring your messages based on each student’s progress or needs. It doesn’t mean every message must be completely unique. Always check the Gradebook first for missing work, late submissions, and recent scores so your outreach is accurate and meaningful.
You can approach this in three ways:
(1). By Grade Range: Send one message to all students above or below a certain grade (e.g., kudos for >70%, support for <70%).
(2). Individually: Message students who need detailed feedback or encouragement.
(3). Hybrid (Recommended): Combine grade-range messaging with individual messages for students who need extra attention.
Q: What will QC reviewers look for in student outreach?
A: QC reviewers will primarily check that all students received outreach during the designated weeks (Weeks 2, 4, and 6 for 8-week courses; Weeks 2 and 4 for 4-week courses) and that each message’s subject line begins with the corresponding week number to ensure consistency and track completion. While reviewers may also consider whether messages are relevant and personalized, the main focus is on confirming that outreach occurred for every student and that the week-number format is used correctly. Optional text messages or other supplemental outreach will not be visible to QC reviewers and do not count toward QC metrics.
Q: Can I use text messaging to communicate with students?
A: The current Bryan-issued number will no longer be usable starting with the 4/13 module. Instructors may optionally create a texting account and share it with students as a supplemental outreach method. It does not replace the required Canvas Inbox outreach. All scheduled outreach must still occur in Canvas during designated weeks. Text messages do not count toward QC metrics, and Canvas Inbox remains the official method for structured weekly communication.
Q: How should I respond to student statements or ongoing messages?
A: Faculty should respond promptly to inquiries, statements, or messages that require guidance or next steps. QC reviewers will focus on the context to determine whether the conversation naturally concluded or warranted additional follow-up.
Q: How will future updates be communicated?
A: Future updates will be communicated via email and posted in the Faculty Handbook.
Q: What should I do if a student needs academic support from an Academic Consultant?
A: If you identify a student who would benefit from additional academic support, you should reach out on their behalf:
For all programs (excluding HIM and Paralegal):
Email or send a Canvas Inbox message directly to Allen Moredock (allen.moredock@bryanuniversity.edu) with:
- The student’s name
- Course code
- Any relevant context (e.g., specific challenges, concerns, or patterns you’ve observed)
For HIM and Paralegal programs: Contact your Program Director (PD) for guidance on next steps and communication channel.
Q: Who can I contact with questions?
A: Faculty can contact their Program Director or the Faculty Success Manager with any questions.
Copyright 2025 | Bryan University | 350 West Washington Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
Copyright 2025 | Bryan University | 350 West Washington Street, Tempe, AZ 85281